DIY Homemade V-Flat Reflector

The v-flat, whatever size is a very useful reflector for photographers working both in the studio and on location.

The v-flat in the image above is made from a single A1 (594 x 841mm / 23.4 x 33.1 inches) foam core mount board costing less than a tenner.

Care is needed when cutting the hinge

To make the hinge cut with a sharp blade through the card on one side and foam core, taking care not to cut the card outer on the opposite side. Fold the card to make the v-flat - simple.You could just use it like this, mine has three surfaces, native white, bright silver where I've covered one side with aluminium foil and then protected with transparency self adhesive plastic and a white/silver breakup where I've used 2 inch metal tape to create a random pattern.

White v-flat ideal as a fill when creating clam shell lighting in the studio. Also a useful flag for blocking light from parts of the set.

Bright silver reflector - hard and specular. very efficient, not very flattering for portraits. Can be used to create a spotlight effect.

Silver/white breakup - it's not silver, it's not white. Ideal when neither silver or white will do. The light source bounced from this will dictate the effect - hard light will give a dappled effect. A soft light a specular white.

To make the v-flat more durable I recommend reinforcing both the hinge and corners with white duct or gaffer tape.

Corner reinforced with white tape.

Reinforced hinge will lengthen the life of your v-flat.

If you're serious about your photographic lighting then maybe The LIGHT Side Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelightsidegroup/ will interest you. It's about all things to do with light and lighting. TLS is a closed group so someone will need to add you or you'll need to send a request to be added. It's a friendly group, with a degree of humour and some great photographers willing to share and contribute.